Stabilizing and foot supporting sandal



w. MQS CHOLL ,STABILIZING AND FOOT SUPPORTING SANDAL- Fna Dec. 10, 1956July 14, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 fA/za/l/l/z 60904646 y 1959 w. M. SCHOLL2,894,338

STABIL-IZING AND FOOT SUPPORTING SANDAL Filed. Dec. 10, 1956 2 Shets-Shee t 2 W y'd. Hr

STABILIZING AND F001 SUPPORTING SANDAL William M. Scholl, Chicago, Ill.

Application December 10, 1956, Serial No. 627,198

2 Claims. (Cl. 36-85) This invention relates to improvements in astabilizing and foot supporting sandal, and more particularly to anarticle of footwear in the nature of a true sandal having spaced strapmembers to engage over the foot and hold sandal upon the foot, leavingthe major portion of the foot exposed to open air, the sandal beingconstructed to adequately support and stabilize the human foot wherebythe sandal is equally as comfortable to walk upon as a carefully madeboot or shoe, and the invention may have other uses and purposes as willbe apparent to one skilled in the art.

The instant application is a continuation-in-part of my copendingapplication entitled Stabilizing and Foot Supporting Sandal, filed May3, 1955, Serial No. 505,685, and since abandoned.

In the past, many and various types of sandal-like articles of footwearhave been made, and wherein spaced straplike elements or the equivalentswere utilized to maintain the device on the foot of the user and yetleave the main portion of the foot exposed to open air. In everyinstance of which I am aware, however, these formerly known sandals didnot fit the human foot, at least the plantar surface of the foot, to asuflicient extent to lend stability to the foot during use of thesandal. It is a common characteristic of sandals that after a relativelyshort usage, they become somewhat loose fitting, which is not entirelycured by tightening the strap-like element. Sandals heretofore known,both before and after they became somewhat loose fitting provided only aflat sole and heel to the plantar surface of the foot and consequentlydid not properly support the foot or stabilize it during use. Further,sandals heretofore known in every instance of which I am aware, did nothave any true shank portion to underlie the longitudinal arch of thefoot, and particularly did not have a properly shaped shank portionstrengthened by a rigid insert or member to maintain that shank portionfirm and prevent it from falling. Consequently, the use of sandals asmade heretofore resulted in discomfort to the foot, quick tiring of thefoot, and in many cases actually caused damage to the foot throughfailure of proper support for the foot.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an important object of the instantinvention to provide a sandal having a sole that has been conformed to aproper last and so capable of supporting the plantar surface of the footin the proper manner.

Another object of the instant invention is the provision of a sandalhaving a sole conformed to a last, and including a cupped heal seat, anelevated shank to properly underlie the inner longitudinal arch of thefoot, and the structure being such that the sole maintains that statethroughout the life of the sandal.

A further feature of the instant invention resides in the provision of asandal having a last conformed sole, and a last conformed or shapedrigid arch stiffener incorporated in the sole in such a manner that theshank of the sandal cannot break down.

Another feature of the instant invention resides in the 2,9433 FatentedJuly 14, 1%59 provision of a sandal having a last conformed sole, towhich a heel is attached, the heel being provided with a concave orcup-shaped heel seat and the heel being higher on the inside cornerthereof than elsewhere, so as to better support the shank of the sole.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a sandal having a lastconformed sole, a last conformed shank stiffener incorporated in thatsole to underlie the inner longitudinal arch of the foot, and a heelhaving a cupshaped heel seat on the upper side thereof, which heelextends farther forwardly and is higher on the inside corner thanelsewhere so as to underlie the shank of the sole and a portion of thestiffener therein.

Also an object of the invention is the provision of a sandal having acomposite sole made up of an outer sole and an inner sole, both of whichare conformed to a proper last, strap-like members to hold the sandal onthe foot having their ends extending through slots in the inner sole toa position between both soles outward of the slots, and a conformed heeladditionally elevated and extending farther forwardly on the insidecorner than elsewhere to underlie the shank of the composite sole.

Still a further feature of the instant invention resides in theprovision of an arch support having a composite sole made up of an innersole and an outer sole both conformed to a proper last, and havingreinforcing and stiffening means to maintain the proper shape of theinner longitudinal arch or shank portion of the composite sole, and aheel of which the inside corner is additionally elevated and extendsbeneath the stiffening means incorporated in the shank of the sole toprevent the shank breaking down during long usage.

Still another object of the instant invention resides in the provisionof a sandal having a sole portion molded to a proper last of the foot.

While some of the more salient features, characteristics and advantagesof the instant invention have been above pointed out, others will becomeapparent from the following disclosures taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a sandalembodying principles of the instant invention;

Fig. 2 is an inner side elevational view of the structure of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the inner sole only and the shankstifiening and supporting means;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view takensubstantially as indicated by the lines IV-IV of Fig. 1, looking in thedirection of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged longitudinal'section'al view takensubstantially as indicated by the lines V-V of Fig. 1, both Figs. 4 and5 being through the inner sole and shank stiffening means only;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view takensubstantially as indicated by the lines VI-VI of Fig. 1, through theentire composite sole and heel of the sandal;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the heel only prior toapplication to the sandal sole; and

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional viewtaken substantially as indicated by the lines VIE-Will of Fig. 1.

As shown on the drawings:

The embodiment of the instant invention selected for illustrativepurposes is a sandal for the left foot of a user, and it will beunderstood that a sandal for the right foot will be of a constructionallochiral to the structure illustrated. It will also be obvious tothose skilled in the art that the strap means for holding the sandal onthe foot of a user may be varied as to disposi tion, widened ornarrowed, as may be desired throughout a substantial range withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the instant invention.

The illustrated embodiment of the instant invention includes a compositesole, generally indicated by numeral 1, a heel 2., and strap-likemembers by means of which the device is secured to the foot of a user.As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, in the illustrated instance, there is a pairof substantially Y-straps 3 and 4 for engagement over the forward partof the foot, these straps having end portions 5 and 6 for strap 3, and 7and 8 for strap 4, which extends through suitable slots 9 in the insoleand are locked between the inner sole and outer sole as will more fullybe later explained herein. Adjacent the heel 2, there is a pair ofupstanding strap portions 10 and 11 merging into a part 12 forencircling the heel of the user. The ends of the strap portions 10 and11 also pass through slots in the inner sole.

With reference now to Fig. 6, it will be noted that the composite sole 1is actually formed of an inner sole 13 and an outer sole 14, both ofwhich soles are molded while wet and under pressure over a proper lastfor the foot. Preferably both the inner sole and the outer sole aremolded simultaneously over the same last, although the soles are not atthat time secured together. Such molding process, or last conformingprocess, provides both the inner sole and outer sole with an elevation15 that will underlie the inner longitudinal arch of the foot, and alsowith a concave or cupped heel seat 16. Such an upper surface adequatelyand properly fits the plantar surface of the human foot.

While the strap elements and composite sole may be made of variousmaterials, leather is preferable because of its shape-retainingcharacteristics and durability.

In order to maintain the desired elevation 15 in the shank portion ofthe composite sole throughout the life of the sandal, an arch or shankstiffener 17, Figs. 3, 4 and 5, is provided. This shank stiflener 17 ispreferably made of metal, and is also molded or conformed to an accuratelast of the foot so that the stiffener, as seen best in Fig. 4, has across section substantially the shape of an ogee, and as seen best inFig. 5, the stiffener has a definite upward arch longitudinally thereof.Preferably this stiifener is so disposed as to underlie the innerlongitudinal arch of the foot. A cover 18 of thin leather or equivalentmaterial is preferably provided over the stiffener 17, and these twoparts may be secured together as by a rivet 19. Preferably, as seen moreparticularly in Figs. 3 and 4, an elongated piece of leather 20 isdisposed on the under face of the insole adjacent the inner edge thereofbetween adjacent slots 9, just inside the inner edge of the stiffener17. This piece of leather is preferably of a thickness equal to that ofthe stiifener and its cover 18, and is of a Width to gauge the positionof the stiffener 17 properly clear of but close to the adjacent slots 9.This piece of leather prevents an unintentional downward turning of themarginal portion of the insole in that location. Nothwithstanding thefact that the ends of the various strap members pass through the slots 9in the inner sole and are then turned toward the bounding edge to extendbetween the inner sole and outer sole, this is the only location whereit is highly desirable or necessary to utilize the added piece 20.

In assembling the structure, so far described, the cover 18 of thestiffener 17 is preferably cemented to the under face of the inner sole13 as is the strengthening piece 20, and then the ends of the straps aredisposed through the slots 9 of the insole, turned toward the boundingedge of the insole, and the outer sole is then secured to the insole,preferably by cementing, over the turned strap ends as clearly seen inFig. 6. A line of stitching 21 may then be run entirely around thecomposite insole to hold the inner sole and outer sole properly togetherand augment the action of any cement used for that purpose. Preferablythis line of stitching passes through the turned ends of strap members.The ends of the strap .4 members adjacent the supporting insert 20 arepreferably left of full thickness, whereas the other strap ends arepreferably skived so as not to cause too great a variance at the pointwhere they extend between the inner and outer sole, as will be noticedfrom the strap end 8 of the Y-strap 4, as shown in Fig. 8.

With reference now more particularly to Figs. 6 and 7, it will be seenthat the heel 2 preferably comprises a bottom tap 22 which is ofsubstantially uniform thickness throughout, and on that bottom tap is anadditional lift or rand 23 which extends around the marginal portion ofthe heel, except for the forward edge. This rand 23 as seen best in Fig.6 decreases in thickness inwardly, and preferably does not cover thecentral portion of the heel as clearly seen in Fig. 7. This taperinglift, therefore, provides a concave or cupped heel seat in keeping withthe shape of the above-described insole and outer sole.

Also, as seen in Fig. 7, it will be noted that the inner corner of theheel projects farther forwardly than the outer corner, and this innercorner is given added height. This is preferably accomplished by the useof a cuneiform lift 24 disposed beneath the horseshoe-shaped rand 23,and another cuneiform lift 25 disposed above the horseshoe-shaped rand23. All these lifts may be secured together as by cementing or in anequivalent manner. At the opposite side thereof, the heel is providedonly with the horseshoe lift 23. The heel is preferably of such sizethat the forwardly extending inner corner thereof underlies a portion ofthe shank stiffener 17 and this additional rise in the heel helpsprevent the shank portion of the sandal breaking down. If the solemembers were flat, as sandals were heretofore made, the additionalcuneiform lifts 24 and 25 in the heel would not be necessary. But it ishighly important that the shank portion of the sandal maintain itspredetermined shape and not break down. In fact, even though the sandalbe substantially worn out, the shank portion thereof will remainapproximately as firm and upstanding as it was when the sandal wasoriginally made.

In use, the sandal is extremely comfortable, and not only adequatelysupports the plantar surface of the foot, but also stabilizes the footin walking. This is accomplished by the fact that the inner portion ofthe heel is higher than any other part thereof, the shank is given anupwardly arched shape and reinforced to maintain that shape, and acupped heel seat is provided. Consequently, each time the foot isbrought to rest upon the inner sole, the foot is adequately supportedand held in firm stable position by the shape of the sandal sole.Heretofore, in the manufacture of sandals in every instance of which Iam aware, there was no conforming of the sandal sole to a proper last,and the soles as well as the heels were merely fiat. Thus, the supportand stabilizing effect of the instant sandal were totally absent insandals heretofore known.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that I have provided a simple form ofsandal having a contoured shape in keeping with the plantar surface of anormal foot, and the heel, as well, is contoured, extended forward onthe inner edge, and thereby enables the sandal to maintain its propershape throughout a long life, and without any depressing or breakingdown of the shank. Consequently, the instant invention is exceptionallycomfortable and durable even though the strap members may be relativelyloosely engaged around the foot of the user. While the sandal hereindescribed is manufactured more costly and carefully than sandalspreviously known, the net result is a more economic sandal, due to thelong life of the instant invention, as well as the comfort andmaintenance of the foot properly supported and stabilized.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effectedwithout departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the presentinvention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an article of footwear, a sole having a cupped heel seat with aforward elevation adjacent to the inner side thereof to underlie theinner longitudinal arch of the foot, a shank stifiener secured to saidsole for permanently maintaining said inner longitudinal arch elevation,a heel underlying said cupped heel seat of the sole and extendingforwardly on the inner side of the sole to underlie the rear part ofsaid shank stiffener, a rand interposed between the heel and the sole,and means interposed between the sole and said forwardly extendingportion of the heel and underlying the rear portion of said stiffener togive added height relative to said rand.

2. In an article of footwear, a sole assembly including matching outerand inner soles secured together and having a cupped heel seat with aforward elevation adjacent to the inner side thereof :to underlie theinner longitudinal arch of the foot, straps for engaging the forwardportion of the foot and straps for engaging the heel portion of thefoot, said inner sole having adjacent to its inner and outer edgesmarginal slots through which end portions of the straps extend and turntoward the edges of the sole assembly and are secured fixedly betweensaid inner and outer soles, one of said slots being located adjacent tothe heel side of said arch elevation and a second of said slots beinglocated on the opposite and forward side 6 of said arch elevation, ashank stifiener secured to said sole assembly for permanentlymaintaining said inner longitudinal arch elevation, a gauging and fillerpiece interposed between the inner edge of the sole assembly and saidstiifener and between said one slot and said second slot, a heelunderlying said cupped heel seat of the sole assembly and extendingforwardly on the inner side of the sole assembly to underlie the rearpart of said shank stiffener, a rand interposed between the heel and thesole assembly, and means interposed between the sole assembly and saidforwardly extending portion of the heel and underly' g the rear portionof said stiffener to give added height relative to said rand.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS370,621 Henderson Sept. 27, 1887 497,132 Rogers May 9, 1893 990,458Scholl Apr. 25, 1911 1,103,914 Eaton July 14, 1914 2,088,263 GrouvenJuly 27, 1937 2,588,061 Vesely Mar. 4, 1952 2,642,677 Yates June 23,1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 763,750 France Feb. 19, 1934-

